Forward Defense: Strengthening U.S. Force Posture in Europe

Photo: Florian via Adobe Stock

Photo: Florian via Adobe Stock

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Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered the bloodiest war in Europe since World War II and raised significant questions about the United States’ role in Europe. This report examines U.S. force posture in Europe—including the military capabilities, personnel, infrastructure, and agreements that support defense operations and plans—and makes recommendations for future U.S. posture. It finds that the United States needs a robust, long-term military force posture in Europe, focused on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) eastern flank, to deter future Russian aggression.

This report is made possible by generous funding from the Smith Richardson Foundation.

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Europe Russia Defense and Security Defense Strategy and Capabilities Geopolitics and International Security and Transnational Threats
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

Senior Vice President; Harold Brown Chair; and Director, International Security Program
Daniel Fata

Daniel Fata

Senior Advisor (Non-resident), International Security Program
Kathleen Mcinnis

Kathleen McInnis

Senior Fellow, International Security Program and Director, Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative

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